Tough Decisions, Silk Pajamas, and Doing Hard Things

Good Monday morning!  I have three short shares this week.  If you have the opportunity, send me a quick note and let me know how you are doing.    

To Suspend or Not Suspend:

Former teammates and Tampa Bay Buccaneers greats John Lynch, Derrick Brooks, and Warren Sapp joined the Rich Eisen Show for a fun conversation.  Lynch opens up describing a time Sapp, was “acting up a little.”  This type of behavior didn’t sound uncommon from Sapp.  Most of the time, Lynch and other leaders could reign him in.  This time, they couldn’t reach him.  Not knowing what to do, Lynch and Brooks sought the counsel of their respected coach, Tony Dungy.

“Coach, we can’t do anything.  He’s acting up and we think you have to sit him” Lynch suggested to Dungy. 

Lynch says that Dungy looked at him and Brooks and calmly said: “In my mind, you are both Hall of Famers (referring to Lynch and Brooks).  But….John, I can play without you.  Derrick, I can play without you.  We can’t play without 99 (Sapp’s jersey number.)  Now way, no way we are playing without 99. So you best figure it out.”

Lynch then says he and Derrick walked out defeated and thought, “Whelp…we better figure this thing out.”    

I love this story for two reasons.  First, every leader I know has encountered a high-performer who’s disrupting the team culture. Other members are frustrated and they want to see the star disciplined.  I love Dungy’s brutally honest answer. I also admire the anguish Brooks and Lynch experienced as they tried to reach Sapp. 

The other reason my soul was warmed was watching three former teammates, all from different backgrounds, laugh and smile together.  It’s sports at its best. You can feel the bond. You can feel the love. 

Learning from a Legend:

“Marvelous” Marvin Hagler passed away this week.  Growing up, my father was a big boxing fan and Hagler was one of his favorites.  His low-frills style and toughness were admirable.  If you haven’t seen his epic first round battle with Thomas “Hit-Man” Hearns check it out below. 

My favorite Hagler quote: “It’s hard to get up at 5am to do road work when you’re sleeping in silk pajamas.”

Twitter/Podcast Recommendation:

I’ve long been a fan of the Finding Mastery Podcast hosted by Mike Gervais.  I also enjoy following him on Twitter.  This week, he posted a video with this quote: “The most powerful statement you can say to yourself: ‘I can do hard things’.” 

This week: have a difficult conversation, wear uncomfortable pajamas, and remind yourself that you can do hard things!